Hello Malt Mates!

We’ve noticed that Victoria, New South Wales, ACT, Tasmania and South Australia are all facing some cold wild weather in the first few days of Spring. As it’s still cold out there we’ve put together a collection of whisky with some bold flavours and elegant peat.

This doesn’t mean that you are left out Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory as this whisky is perfect over ice or in a cocktail too. Big bold flavours and elegant peat smoke can only mean one distillery……..it’s time for Kilchoman. All the way from the Scottish island of Islay.

This independent distillery is creating some sensational whisky and everyone is talking about it.

There’s a whisky for everyone here so take a look and see what you might fancy……….and purchase a bottle, or two. You will not be disappointed.

Kilchoman Distillery, founded in 2005, is one of the youngest distilleries on the Scottish island of Islay, a region renowned for its peaty whiskies. It stands out for being one of the few distilleries in Scotland to operate as a farm distillery, producing a large portion of the barley it uses on-site. This allows Kilchoman to control every step of the whisky-making process, from growing the grain to bottling the final product. The distillery offers a unique range of single malts that showcase the bold, smoky characteristics typical of Islay whiskies while maintaining a commitment to traditional craftsmanship. Their "100% Islay" series is particularly notable, with every part of the production process taking place on the island, including malting, distillation, maturation, and bottling. Kilchoman’s attention to detail and small-batch production has earned it a loyal following among whisky enthusiasts, even as it continues to push boundaries with experimental cask finishes and limited-edition releases.

First up lets take a look at the distilleries core offerings.

Machir Bay Single Malt

The Machir Bay range is Kilchoman’s core expression, first launched in 2012 when it won the prestigious IWSC 2012 Gold Award – Best in Class. Bottled once a year, each release contains more mature casks allowing Kilchoman fans to follow the development of the unique Kilchoman malt as it matures. Matured in a combination of both ex-bourbon barrels and Oloroso Sherry butts. A firm staff favourite and perfect for Spring and Summer cocktails with friends.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Lemon tart, vanilla snap biscuits, hints of mint and soft peat smoke.
Palate: Raisins and dried tropical fruit notes leads to sea salt and smouldering peat.
Finish: Long with hints of dark fruits and freshly ground peppercorns.

RRP $110 - Sale $105

Sanaig Single Malt Whisky

Maturing the whisky in about 25% bourbon barrels and 75% sherry barrels. Malting the barley so it has just the right amount of smoke. The distillation is light and fresh as always. It’s non chill-filtered and is natural in colour. Bottled at 46% abv and recommended by distillery founder Anthony Wills.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Fresh, a little heavier than other expression from this distillery. Stewed fruits, lashings of caramel. The vanilla has plenty of say, showing a longer maturation and quality bourbon barrels.
Palate: The sweetness is well balanced and combines perfectly with the peat smoke. There’s still citrus there, so don’t worry. A little vanilla and hints of raisin and sultana.
Finish: OMG! The peat smoke, the sweetness and the fruity after tones just say, perfect!

RRP $125

Limited Releases

Loch Gorm 2024 Edition  

This 2024 release of Kilchoman’s always wonderful Loch Gorm is a limited edition. Loch Gorm 2024 Edition was matured in Oloroso sherry butts previously used by Bodega Jose y Miguel Martin, for a minimum of 9 years.  The 23 casks selected by Kilchoman Founder, Anthony Wills, are a combination of 17 fresh and 6 refill casks from three different distillation years.  The sherry-soaked oak adds layers of rich fruit character which balance beautifully with classic Kilchoman peat smoke and citrus flavours.  Bottled at 46% alc/vol and no colour is added and it has not been chillfiltered, just the way we like them.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Waves of sweet BBQ smoke and cooked fruits with dark chocolate and dried figs.
Palate: Delicate peat smoke combined with honey roasted nuts, cinnamon, and malted barley.
Finish: Fresh notes of citrus and rich toffee

RRP $179

Kilchoman 100% Islay 13th Edition

The 100% Islay 13th Edition was distilled from barley grown on the farm at Kilchoman in 2012, 2013 and 2014, it was then matured for a minimum of 8 years before 44 bourbon barrels were selected for this year’s release of bottles.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Creamy vanilla, smokey bacon, fresh malted barley, banoffee pie.
Palate: Baking spices, milk chocolate, peat smoke, hints of pineapple and guava with candied citrus.
Finish: Medium to long with sea salt, smoke and sweet orchard fruits.

RRP $159

Kilchoman 8 Years Old Australian Exclusive Sauternes Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky

This Kilchoman is matured in fresh ex-Bourbon barrels for just over 6 ½ years followed by a finish in fresh ex-Sauternes Hogsheads for 1 ½ years. Bottled at 56.3% alc/vol.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Apricot jam, vanilla custard with soft and elegant peat smoke.
Palate: Honey sweetness, toasted almonds, toasted oak and elegant peat smoke.
Finish: Long with dried tropical fruits, baking spices, malty sweetness and citrus fruits.

RRP $210

Other Kilchoman Limited Releases Available

Kilchoman Small Batch Single Malt Scotch Whisky

RRP $210

Kilchoman Pedro Ximenex Sherry Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky

RRP $210

Kilchoman Cognac Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky

RRP $199

Kilchoman Fino Sherry Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky

RRP $199

Kilchoman Casado Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky

RRP $165

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